Chris Jurney, left, of Craig, and Rick Callison, of Denver, pose with a bull elk harvested in game management unit 201 in northwestern Moffat County. Last week Jurney was honored as the Colorado Outfitters Association’s 2012 Outfitter of the Year.

More than just a hunter

Chris Jurney recognized as 2012 Colorado Outfitter of the Year

Tom Mikesell, right, Colorado Outfitter Association 2012 president, presents Craig resident Chris Jurney with the COA's 2012 Outfitter of the Year Award. Jurney was recognized for his contributions to the outfitting industry, wildlife and wildlife management, and his commitment to the ideals of the COA.

Quotable...

“We’re fortunate to be able to hunt a lot of different game, but I think lions have to be one of the most unique and outstanding trophies we have (in Colorado) because it’s not something you can just go do. It’s kind of specialized hunt, which makes each lion a trophy.”

And although Craig resident Chris Jurney, owner of Chris Jurney Outfitting, has no intention of slowing down anytime soon, the Colorado Outfitters Association cited a lifetime of achievements when the organization last weekend in Grand Junction named Jurney its 2012 Outfitter of the Year.

The annual award is bestowed upon a COA member who demonstrates a commitment to the outfitting industry, wildlife and wildlife management, and the ideals of the organization.

“He’s very instrumental in bringing a lot of our programs before Colorado Parks and Wildlife,” said Tom Mikesell, COA president in 2012. “He’s very involved in wildlife and habitat issues, and he goes out of his way for the association and for outfitters, and he needed to be rewarded.”

Jurney, 48, credits his father and grandfather for instilling a love for the outdoors and for wildlife at an early age from his childhood home in Golden.

At the age of 11 Jurney’s family moved to Craig. He attended Moffat County High School, and first jumped into the wildlife and wildlife management business as a trapper after graduation before embarking on a 25-year career as a hunting guide.

About 12 years ago Jurney went into business for himself and currently offers elk, deer, antelope, mountain lion and a variety varmint hunts in some of Moffat County’s most sought after game management units.

Though Moffat County is famous for its monster bull elk and heavy headed mule deer, Jurney said few things excite him more than participating in or guiding clients on a successful mountain lion hunt.

“We’re fortunate to be able to hunt a lot of different game, but I think lions have to be one of the most unique and outstanding trophies we have (in Colorado) because it’s not something you can just go do,” Jurney said. “It’s kind of specialized hunt, which makes each lion a trophy.

“When you look over the last 25 years and the number of lions we’ve taken, when it’s over you’re already looking forward to the next hunt.”

But Jurney is more than just a hunting guide. He’s a wildlife manager at his core, an ideal that aligns itself perfectly with the COA.

“The outfitting industry, as far as the COA is concerned, has pioneered a different level of participation across all wildlife interests, including legislative and lobbying efforts, to ensure we still have places to go and have abundant wildlife populations,” Jurney said. “The bottom line is it’s always about the wildlife and making sure as managers we have high success rates and enough wildlife to do that.”